KINGHOLM Quay residents are continuing in their efforts to protect Ladyfield by including their objections and ‘hopes’ in their Local Place Plan.
The site was earmarked by Dumfries and Galloway Council in its Local Development Plan (LDP2) as suitable for housing development and Crichton Trust developed a masterplan for over 300 homes on the green area.
That plan is currently sitting with the council for consideration as part of the LDP3 consultation. But residents have been vocal about wanting to protect Ladyfield with fears that large scale development could have detrimental impacts on the area.
A spokesperson for Kingholm Quay Community Council (KQCC) said: “Kingholm Quay Community Council has made its position clear to Dumfries and Galloway Council that the community feels the Crichton’s masterplan is not appropriate for Ladyfield and that the site should be removed from the updated Local Development Plan 3 altogether.
“The site poses multiple challenges for development, not only relating to flooding, but would also cause traffic and parking issues within the area.
“National Planning policies now also promote ‘Town Centre First’ development and there are concerns that a large development at this side of town would also focus development away from the town centre, which needs it more and has better infrastructure to support it.”
As part of the process, the community council has also drafted an alternative Local Place Plan based on the wishes that residents have expressed for the site. It outlines four ‘Hopes for Ladyfield’:
n To maintain the arable land for agricultural use
n To protect the conservation area from development
n To have the site recognised as ‘greenbelt’ distinguishing Kingholm Quay as a village separated from Dumfries town
n To have it established as a wild park to enhance the biodiversity of the area and complement the manicured gardens of Crichton
The plan also includes some ideas for ‘Ladyfield Park’, including a path joining the River Nith walk with routes through the Crichton, an accessible area for community gardens and recreation but being careful to protect and enhance the areas where protected wildlife currently live.
The community council is currently consulting residents prior to submitting it to the council. A version of the plan has been printed onto banners displayed outside Kingholm Quay Community Centre for the public to view and a community drop in event is being held on Thursday June 19 at 6.30 pm at the community centre.
